Fire chief says Matunuck Oyster Bar might be a total loss

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The investigation into what started a fire at the Matunuck Oyster Bar continued Wednesday.

The area around the restaurant was taped off as investigators work to find the cause and while the building remained standing, the chief of the Union Fire District of South Kingstown said it may be a total loss.

The fire started just before 4 a.m. on May 20.

There was no one inside of the restaurant.

The oyster bar had been a part of the South Kingstown community since 2009.

Many people in the community are coming together and raising money for the restaurant to help them get back on their feet.

A fundraiser online garnered more than $80,000 in donations by Wednesday afternoon.

The owner of the restaurant sent a written statement, which said the first priority was helping the 300 full-time and seasonal employees who make a living at the establishment.

A South Kingstown town councilor said a workshop with the state department of labor and training was scheduled for impacted employees May22  at 10 a.m. at the town recreation center.